I'm 52, as kids we were outside during nearly all daylight hours. Unless of course it was raining ro 20 below, in which case we stay out only half that time...
As a parent I have had to learn and understand all of this stuff kids do today.
You can't make the phone/Internet/games away, it's a huge part of their world. we can only plead moderation and make rules that reflect that.
We have always kept out kids busy in YMCA sports, swimming classes in the summer , all that just keep them busy! So at one point I was quite worried alot about my son, who it seemed at one time was addicted to gaming, that was 4 years ago. He was getting a little thick. I didn't press it though (based on my wifes brillient input) We just sorta continued on the path of moderation with some parental suggestion and steering. So this year he'll be a Junior in high school, Last year he lettered as a Wide Reciever, he has lettered both previous years in academics. Most of his classes are Honors with a few AP classes tossed in, he has numerous department awards. He has always been active on the Basketball team, Football of course and Track. Last years GPA was 4.6. He has a Job, works out and seems to be a very safe driver.
This kid has a lot of screen time, I'm not bragging I'm just saying if you control the screen time, get them busy in one activity and be a parent Video games, TV etc can be fine. We like to challenge them "I think you should be the star WR on your team!!"
I have a 12 YO Daughter who doesn't game but loves the TV. Her day Starts at 6:45 when she walks to the pool for Swim Team practice, when that's done she has a little break and then it's a few hours of Junior lifesaving and swim coach aide training.
Sunday at meet she got first in the 200 I.M! A couple of thirds and a second rounded out the day. When School starts, she'll go nuts in Volleyball and Gold Crown Basketball starts soon as well (I love to watch her play B Ball!). She's on the same path as her brother and they both have a lot of screen time.
Both are fit as a fiddle too.
If parent's are parents, thing usually work out fine, if you want to be your kids friend or are too busy to get 'em out there you can have problems.
